Dension’s latest dive into the integration market has brought about a product that’s designed to partially integrate music and handsfree features into all vehicles. The Dension iphone Car Dock offers basic handsfree functions played through the cars audio system as well as music from the iPhone.

The Idea was brought about from the development of the Gateway five and Gateway Blue, which offer a more integrated solution than the car dock. However it was clear that a universal product which fits into all cars (Aerial adapters may be required) would be much more beneficial to the majority of the market. The Kit still offers the great music quality of previous Dension products but now includes handsfree for incoming and out going calls.

The iPhone Car Dock connects to the stereo via the aerial connection (like the Ice Link One) offering the same music integration, however the Car dock also provides additional handsfree functionality using the same connection through the car speakers. Offering excellent quality audio for during the conversation for both parties. The external microphone picks up your voice and makes your voice much clearer on the other end of the line.

The device is controlled via the iphone interface or the specific app found on itunes, which actually makes the functions easier to use. Simple touch buttons allow you to navigate to your music or through your phone book to make a call. When a call comes in the device automatically mutes the music ready for the conversation (played through the cars speakers).

One of the big benefit of the iPhone Car Dock is the removable cradle which can be mounted semi-permanently to the dash or to the windscreen via the suction mount. This system allows the cradle to be easily moved, rotated & positioned into the most comfortable place that suits your driving position & kept vertically or positioned horizontally when requried, if for example your have a map app open.

Overall the quality of the product is very good. Its build is sturdy but usable and the quality of the handsfree functions are second to only the very best kits on the market. Music integration is a big plus, but this is what we come to expect from Dension products. From out tests we’re very happy with the product and would score it 4.5/5 unlike the tomtom kit which has some poorer reviews from customers.

The concept has been attacked in three different ways, the fully integrated system, partially integrated system and the universal system. Although producing more than one product can often confuse customers, Densions method is born more out of necessity than a desire to do so. The problem being compatibility with vehicles & their systems. Some cars are capable of displaying text info and some just aren’t. Dension (or Dension users) found it too difficult to use a fully integrated system with out text display. It made navigating through menus and phonebook’s impossible. Thus the need for the partially integrated product.

The Gateway five is the fully integrated offering, connecting your Phone and iPod or iPhone into the cars system, pretty much control your whole phone from the menu structure & control music in the same way. In fact its a very easy system to use when you spend a little time learning it. For those of us without text compatible cars the gateway blue will be available. Offering a similar style integration (or quality) the Gateway Blue is still controlled via the phone / iPhone or iPod. Music selection and phone book control is done through the device, however partial controls are retained through the steering wheel making the system much easier than navigating “blind”

The third method however is a fully universal option. The Dension Car Dock will connect to the vast majority of cars (some cars may need an aerial adapter), The device gets its charge from the cigarette lighter and can be connected into the aerial or AUX input if you have one. Keeping the quality as close to digital as possible. The other advantage of the Car Dock is that the controls are entirely through the iPhone, music selection, phonebook, messages etc however this actually serves as an advantage in our opinion. Why change the intuitive layout of the iPhone for partially integrated mash up with which ever car you have control systems.

We actually found the device very easy to use & was a little surprised by the handsfree quality. Each conversation we held via the system gave very positive feedback. Needless to say the music functionality was to the usual high standard. Dension have even developed an App to use with the system. However the best part of the system is that the iPhone still operates as an iPhone when in use. So you can still use google Navigation rather than your sat nav, cycle through your music library or play the latest videos & TV programs If you choose to (Although its more than likely illegal to watch tv when your driving where you live)

All in all we can see the Dension iPhone Dock becoming the iPhone car kit to beat in the coming months and years & sets a new standard for universal iPhone input.

Let us help you split them down a little. Firstly they can be split into two groups the CK range and the MK range, the latter is the most recently launched. The CK Range are still the most popular bluetooth products on the market. Mainly due to the price however reliability is also a good factor especially with the parrot CK3000.

The MK range are the newest products launched onto the market and perhaps haven’t had the time to overtake the CK range in terms of popularity just yet. The main difference between the CK & MK range is the music functionality. The MKI range have an integrated solution which is compatible with iPod & iPhone and is controllable through the parrot remote control.

Each product in the range has a superior leading upwards in price, which offers an “upgrade” feature. For example the MKI9000 offers Bluetooth and Music, The MKI9100 offers the same functionality however with a upgrade small screen so you can see who’s calling & what music is playing. The MKI9200 offers an improved screen with more clarity & the ability to pull pictures from the phone. So you can see a face as well as the number. Being the newest products to market the MKI range are still more expensive than the CK range.

The main choice when choosing which parrot bluetooth option to go for is to first select your range first then choose which feature’s are most desired for you.

Digital Media Vs Radio, which do you prefer? Your own choice of music, albums and play-lists available for you to browse through at any point or tuning in to a radio broadcast and listening to the DJ. Not always, but usually making an anecdote about a story that really isn’t worth listening to, and playing a predetermined play-list dependant on weekly budgets rather than playing good music. Most people choose playing music from their iPod. Or at least have the choice to do so.

Your Music is available on your iPod when ever you want it, and presumably you like all the music tracks you have on there? Otherwise they wouldn’t be there right! Well combine the music you love and with the iPod car kit and you have the perfect solution for the long and tedious drives when your usually either reduced to tears or subject to road-rage before the end of the journey. I’m not saying that these are a miracle cure for road-rage but they may help reduce stress a little?

When Wanting Music in your vehicle the most convenient and easiest way of doing so is usually an FM Transmitter. Its a simple process to get music playing, which usually entails taking it out the box, setting a frequency and pressing play on your iPod (The process couldn’t be simpler). Music is played through the stereo via an FM frequency, providing the frequency isn’t used often you’ll receive a good quality audio signal through stereo and subsequently the speakers.

But honestly, I just hated the installation process.
I was never good at mathematics, and God, I was a technophobe. I just hate those hi-tech stuffs that have wires coming out from every side of them. I just get so confused on where the red wire is going or the black wire connects. And I am pretty sure I have many friends, readers here who think the same. They are good with affiliate marketing business, they like being the financial analyst but figuring the wires and chips are never their cup of tea.

Here, let me tell you something. My brother helped me a lot when it came to installing the Dension iPod Car kit, but most helpful was that short simple manual guide that we got from the supplier. It was real quality. It told you in step-by-step process, how to dissemble it and then assemble it, all in an simple way a newbie can understand.

Well then again, I just love my Dension iPod car kit now. It is sleek and fashionable, and I just boast about it to my friends. It just suits my personality. Style meets style! But apart from that, how can I deny the legal rules that I have to abide by, in US or most countries. You cannot use a mobile phone while driving. No, let me rephrase that. You can use a phone. But you cannot with a phone with your ‘hands’. No, you are not supposed to use them with your legs. Okay that was a bad joke.

But it sure is dangerous. But after getting that cool Dension iPod Car kit, I not only added some character to my style (that’s what I think anyway!), it just made it so easy for me to receive phone calls while driving via the BTA1500 bluetooth module. It has some cool features. I just have to cycle through the options using the vehicle controls and it will load all of my contacts for me.

Recently, I saw there has been some updated products. Perhaps, I will get myself the newest Dension iPod car kit very soon…lol.

iPod car accessories are useful for long journeys, car accessories for the iPod and iphone can range from protective cases, to protect against scratches and more serious damage, Through to fully integrated iPhone car kits which provide a digital connection combined with iPod and music control through the stereo / steering wheel adapters and charging facilities.

Yes, in a lot of cars in the 21^st century, you will find a Bluetooth car kit. And why shouldn’t it be so? After all, any change that brings about betterment in our lives is to be welcome with open arms. Here in this article, I would enlist what the plus points of getting you a Bluetooth car kit can be.

Usability – Yeah, there was a time when handsfree Bluetooth car kit was supposed to be a luxury. But in today’s times, it has become a necessity. The heavy fast traffic, the upward surge in road accidents and sometimes, just the irresistible attraction of the merits of the hands-free facility is enough for to make anyone go for one. In simple words, if you HAVE a car, you NEED a Bluetooth car kit.

Cost-effectiveness – Well, it would not have been possible for every other mobile phone owner with a car to go for a Bluetooth car kit if it was priced sky-high. But the advancement of the Bluetooth technology and competence of the Bluetooth car kit manufacturing brands made it absolutely possible for the general public to avail of this great facility. Great quality at low costs is the order of the day.

Legal – Did you know that in most countries, handling mobile phones while driving is ILLEGAL? And that’s why the Bluetooth car kit is so necessary. With a Bluetooth car kit, you can save your day if a traffic officer comes pouncing on you. Remind yourself of the story I told you at the beginning of this article. You want a handsfree not to get your car confiscated or be charged a hefty fine just for talking to your mum while driving to your office.

And not only these, the user’s experience including the high quality sound and crystal clear picture, along with the addition of new features to the Bluetooth car kits every day make it a must to be had in every car. From the plain old MP3 players or other car audio players, you may not be able to get the audio and video output quality and ease that you get from the regularly updated Bluetooth car kits.

To sum it up, if you are a passionate car addict as I am, and want to enjoy every bit of your driving, go get yourself the latest Bluetooth car kit in the market. It’s the driving experience that counts in the end. Remember, if you OWN a car, you NEED a Bluetooth car kit.

A Bluetooth Car Kit is a device that provides a safe and convenient way to communicate whilst driving. Your Phone can connect to the Car Bluetooth system and ensure you and other road users remain safe.

One of the reasons the apple iPhone is so successful is because it brings all types of new digital media to the table. In fact some would say its responsible for a large part of the development of new media. For instance, Would sites like Facebook and Twitter be so popular if they weren’t accessible on your mobile phone?

Harnessing this new media is a challenge for all companies wanting involvement in the iPhone revolution, making an add-on that actually improves the features of an iPhone is somewhat difficult. Apps can be created relatively easily depending on the subject and performance targets, and of-course the skill of the development team behind it. However the devices that physically connect to the iPhone face entirely different obstacles. A good example was the power chance from 12v to 9v and 5v charging.

One of the problems when trying to integrate the iPhone with external hardware (None computers) is that the software on the phone is complex, computers can obviously install compatible software to integrate well, however when trying to integrate into something more simple in design i.e a car stereo more problems are encountered. Software is obviously not available to install on car stereos so certain features on the iPhone are not transferable.

The major problem when connecting an iPhone to a device without software is that the iPhone locks out and goes into flight mode. In the case of iPhone car kits, If you wanted to control the iPhone through the stereo or steering wheel controls the kit will lockout the iPhone, basically turning it into an iPod. Which isn’t a problem when navigating through your music collection, however you will not be able to make or receive calls or texts.

Dension have created a new iPhone car kit which allows the connection of the iPhone without it going into flight mode, you control the iPhone’s music from the phone its self so you still have full phone features combined with the music integration into your car. The iPhone is charged while connected and the stereo retains all of its usual controls, I.e volume controls.

The Gateway Lite is the next generation of iPhone car kits specifically designed for such purpose, have you mobile jukebox in full operation in your car and you phone if required. The Gateway lite is not a phone kit and does not offer any handsfree functions, but is the best solution for integrating your iPhone into your vehicle.

iPod car accessories are useful for long journeys, car accessories for the iPod and iphone can range from protective cases, to protect against scratches and more serious damage, Through to fully integrated iPhone car kits which provide a digital connection combined with iPod and music control through the stereo / steering wheel adapters and charging facilities.

The obvious answer is to not use the phone while driving, sounds easy when suggested on paper, but many campaigns from government and local authorities seem to fail. The message is probably heard loud and clear at the time, but when deciding whether or not to take the call it seems to be forgotten quickly. Does this show the awareness campaign if failing or is there a deeper rooted problem within society?

The saturation of mobile phones in the UK is increasing year upon year, this trend has lead us to believing we need our phones to feel in “contact” with our social group or families, and often we feel lost without it. I know I do. Its perhaps this feeling of urgency that encourages us to answer even when we know we shouldn’t!!! The problem stretches far and wide, Its likely that you’ll see up to or more than 30% of road users making a call, if you were to sit and count vehicles passing by on any major local road.

One way to negate the problem of phone driving isn’t to stop drivers using the phone, but to make the experience safer and more convenient for them. Its fairly obvious to me that if the campaigns aren’t working perhaps we should try a new strategy!

Bluetooth car kits may provide the answer? Bluetooth car kits pair with your mobile phone to provide a wireless connection which allows you to answer the phone if and when your driving. The bluetooth kit is safer than physically answering and holding the mobile device, allowing you to drive with both hands available.

There’s a counter argument that the act of engaging in conversation distracts the mind from that task at hand. However this is somewhat of a null point as any number of factors may cause distractions. Like talking to passengers, listening to a radio station, checking on the kids etc. Is talking on the phone via bluetooth more hazardous than talking to a friend in the passenger seat?

Ultimately the responsibility lies with the driver, its down to him/her to gauge whether they are capable of performing both acts, however its fair to say the use of bluetooth certainly increases the safety of all road users at least.

Most of us drive, and all of us from time to time have to travel long journeys. The problem with long journeys is boredom. Whether your travelling as a family, couple or on business the longer you travel the more boredom you’ll experience, and that’s almost a certainty. Travelling with kids in the car can be especially tedious, especially if they’re at the age when they argue and fight.

Combating boredom can make the journey much more enjoyable and go much faster, listed below are several methods of combating boredom when travelling, especially on long journeys.

1. Playing games. There are loads of games that can be played when travelling and the more creative the better. Simple games like the roadside alphabet game are simple, easy to play and keep kids (or adults) involved and entertained for hours. The key to playing games is to get organised, find the games you want to play in advance, swap and change the games regularly to keep them fresh. Print them off and keep in the glove box for future journeys. There are loads of travel games to browse through here

2. Mobile Computers. We live In a generation of mobile entertainment, computers systems are truly mobile whether it be via laptops or PC’s built into vehicles. Computing can be done easily and efficiently while on the move. The invention of systems like the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS are also designed exactly for this demand from modern lifestyles. A simple in car adapter for these systems will keep the battery topped up for as long as you like. Car power adapters can be found here

3. Video screens. Video screens can be installed into the vehicle entertainment systems that provide DVD playback. A particularly useful device if your passengers love films. Bring along you favourite DVD’s and you have hours of fun at the touch of a button. The only problem that will occur is the choice of DVD!

4. iPod Car Kits. It seems that everybody has an iPod these days. Why not connect it to your stereo and have full control of it while your driving. Playing all of your favourite music and albums will certainly make the time pass quicker than listening to the radio. Ipod car kits for your vehicle can he found here

5. POI – Points of interest. Many Sat Navs come with a long list of local POI’s. Take advantage of this feature and look for local POI’s as your driving by. Building this into your journey can add a little bit of time, but you may find something interesting that you never knew was there. There might be something around the corner you have wanted to do for ages but never got round to doing? If your going to be driving for 10 hours you might as well make it 11 and pack the journey full of excitement.

6. One for the adults. Practical jokes, truth or dare or something more kinky??? it doesn’t matter providing you don’t drive dangerously or put other drivers at risk. Simple jokes can provide hours of entertainment on the road and make a long journey feel like a quick one. What you do is up to you, but the more thought you put into it the funnier it will be!

7. Track you movement. Not that it will make your journey any quicker but maybe more interesting, you can purchase tracking devices that connect with google earth which map your movements. Build up your online map and see where you’ve been before, which route you take most, and plan trips to destinations you haven’t been before.

8. Take a Camera. Take pictures of the places you’ve travel past, tie in with POI’s and build up your photo album of interesting place you’ve been to or travelled past.

If you can think of any more add them at the bottom.

Music and applications can be downloaded instantly, negating the need to travel to a store to purchase CD singles or albums. Which except for a few people, was seen as a hindrance. No longer do we need to carry stacks of disc’s and filter through them to find an album for what ever mood were in. Put simply the iPod has revolutionised the music industry and carried it into the future, making music more accessible in our daily routines.

Many other companies have joined the music revolution in a bid to further improve the way we control and listen to our favourite albums. It has become big business, with more and more companies offering improved quality and functions for home audio and visual systems as well as car and mobile audio. One of the market leaders in the car audio field, Dension, have been developing new systems which allow full control of the iPod through the stereo and entertainment system in the vehicle.

For many the iPod symbolises mobile music, and more recently mobile entertainment with the release of the iPod touch and iPhone, and the continuing developments Apple are making in the Video and TV area. Dension have adopted this ethos of entertainment on the move and produced iPod car kits that surpass any other kit on the market in terms of quality and integration.

iPod integration is key for quality and ease of use of the kits, if they don’t match Apples exacting standards for the iPod there is no point in developing them. With this in mind Dension set about improving previous versions of iPod kits they already produced. (Which they were already market leaders) and come up with a kit that ensures great quality audio and simple easy controls. The Gateway Lite was born.

The Gateway Lite is the next step up from the Gateway 100 / Gateway 300 ipod car adapters, The lite offers a much improved navigation system which was not available on the 100 / 300 unless text compatibility was available on your vehicle. By making the system easier the Gateway Lite is much more effective when making a track selection, reducing the browsing time and frustration this may have caused.

Combined with USB input the Gateway lite makes your favourite music truly mobile, allowing you to carry you entire music collection in your vehicle, you no longer need the poor quality and probably illegal FM transmitters. Simply choose the Gateway Lite.

Dension are market leaders in iPod car kit integration. Their iPod car adapters provide better quality audio and track navigation and selection over any other kit on the market. Drive, Control, Charge and Play your iPod with Dension.